50 



Gorgon ; Virgil says that the son of Hercules bore his father's 

 Hydra, while in the Greek Dramatists there are plenty of 

 allusions which bear affinity to Heraldry. 



Reviewing the period of Mediaeval Heraldry and its introduction 

 into England 1000 years ago from Germany, the gradual growth 

 of the science was then spoken of. Continental Standards used 

 in faction fight and feud were forerunners of the art. The dis- 

 tinguishing Banner, Pennon and Banneret borne aloft at the 

 head of contending combatants were necessary for securing the 

 identity of the warriors who, ensconced in armour could not be 

 otherwise known to friend or foe. It was not easy to recognise 

 the most intimate acquaintance clothed from top to toe in metallic 

 costume. Therefore the banner on which appeared the broidered 

 device was essential. From • banner ' to ' shield ' was a very 

 easy step, and helped to seciire individual identification. The 

 shield was a personal item of armour and borne by all fighting 

 men, the Banner or Ensign, might, in the heat of conflict get 

 separated from the Knight and his faithful companions, and 

 then identity Avas imperilled. Hence arose the laecessity for 

 mounted cote or shield. This led to the adoption of both, and 

 so we get a stage nearer our science. 



Crusading times gave a mighty impulse to Heraldry, and it 

 was married to Chivalry on the plains of Palestine. The symbol 

 on the banners bore relation to the doughty deeds performed, 

 and the record of illustrious achievements could be read in the 

 blazon. Granted for faithful service and conspicuous prowess 

 by grateful Commander and admiring King, the deft fingers of 

 loyal ladies embroidered devices under which fathers and sons, 

 brothers and lovers fought the proud Saracen, and when after 

 conflict the travel- stained warrior returned to his island home, 

 the pennons borne in war elicited the highest admiration for 

 daring valour and mihtary exploit. Eeverently were they carried 

 to sacred shrine and growing abbey, and a superstitious reverence 

 not unmixed with religious homage unconsciously stole over the 

 minds of worshippers as they gazed on the cherished trophy of 

 sacred fight. No wonder that the owners of the Banners became 

 influential and great, or that all the chief militaires adopted arms. 

 At the time of Edward the First Cotes were worn over the 

 armour and the ornamentation corresponded with the banner 

 and shield, and subsequently with seals temp. Heniy III, in 

 whose reign the earliest roll of Arms extant, was prepared. This 

 is still preserved in the College of Arms, and contains upwards 

 of 200 " cotes " properly emblazoned and described. It is i^rob- 

 able that about this date the advancement of civilization had 

 gradually the effect of reducing Heraldry to a system. This was 

 but the elaboration of the elementary idea of one Hem-y the 

 Fowler temp. 920, who apphed Heraldry to tournaments, and 



